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Archie Meets Nero Wolfe: A Prequel to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe Mysteries by Robert Goldsborough
paulrules's review against another edition
2.0
The dialog is all wrong. That is what made Rex Stout so good and it is just off here.
hotsake's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Robert Goldsborough Returns to Nero Wolfe after nearly 20 years and plays it fast and loose with the characters.
As a Nero Wolfe story this was a miss but as a pulpy hard boiled crime noir this was a good time and I found myself enjoying this regardless of its flaws.
As a Nero Wolfe story this was a miss but as a pulpy hard boiled crime noir this was a good time and I found myself enjoying this regardless of its flaws.
thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
3.0
If you love Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries, I guarantee that you'll get much more enjoyment out of rereading the Stout series than you will from reading this prequel. That said Goldsborough's book is a pleasant read and goes down easy. It's the story of a newbie (Archie) in New York City finding his legs in the detective business during the Depression. As such, that story is interesting, showing Archie's good instincts and resourcefulness. The biggest problem of the novel is one of conception: Archie and Nero don't know each other and don't work together throughout most of the book. What makes the Stout series so wonderfully entertaining is the dynamic between Archie and Wolfe, one of dependence, mutual admiration, and on the surface loathing. Archie is unable to rib his boss since the whole story is about the earliest beginnings of their relationship. Other than that major problem, the mystery set forth is fairly bland and not much of a challenge for either Archie or Wolfe. It's okay, but not great.
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
I've always wondered how Archie Goodwin came to be employed by Nero Wolfe. This Prequel to the Nero Wolfe novels by Robert Goldsborough clears up any confusion and tells an entertaining story.
rosescottagee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
5.0
Nineteen-year-old Archie Goodwin arrives in New York from Chillicothe, Ohio and becomes a night watchman on the piers for an import company. Less than three weeks on the job, Archie has to defend himself against two would-be thieves by shooting them. Even though it’s clearly self-defense, Archie is fired. He quickly talks private detective Del Bascam into hiring him as an assistant, and Del even agrees to help Archie get his PI license. When Del gets involved in a kidnapping case for the famous Nero Wolfe, Archie not only helps with the investigation, but makes an impression on the brilliant, but demanding Wolfe.
This novel is set during the Depression and is partially based on events mentioned in original series author Rex Stout’s prior books and stories. All of the expected characters are there, including Wolfe’s primary operatives Fred Durkin, Saul Panzer, and Orrie Cather. As a long-time reader of both the original series and Robert Goldsborough’s other follow-up mysteries, I greatly enjoyed this book. It’s fun to see a much younger Archie Goodwin and how he met Nero Wolfe. The young Archie isn’t quite as smooth, but still has that smart-aleck charm that makes him so endearing. Archie is as quick-thinking and fast-talking as ever. Even as a young man, he has great instincts and judgment and a healthy dose of self-confidence. Early on in his new career, he proclaims “I’ve got the makings of one hell of a detective.” He is right of course, and his flawless memory that gives him the ability to repeat conversations back word for word is helpful in his new job and even impresses the great Nero Wolfe.
Through the course of the investigation of little Tommie Williamson‘s kidnapping, it’s strange to see Saul in charge and Archie as the new guy instead of as Wolfe’s right-hand man. However, everything in the story rings true with what we know about Archie and Wolfe from their later adventures. The kidnapping case is interesting and kept my interest throughout the book, but it’s the characters who take center-stage in this entertaining story. Archie, Wolfe, Fritz, Inspector Cramer, and the others behave as you would expect, so reading the book is like visiting old friends you haven’t seen in a while.
Fans of Wolfe, either the original series by Rex Stout or those by Robert Goldsborough, will find this “prequel” to the series more than “satisfactory.” If you haven’t had the treat of reading a Nero Wolfe mystery, “Archie Meets Nero Wolfe”, is the perfect introduction to this classic detective duo.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Open Road Media in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is set during the Depression and is partially based on events mentioned in original series author Rex Stout’s prior books and stories. All of the expected characters are there, including Wolfe’s primary operatives Fred Durkin, Saul Panzer, and Orrie Cather. As a long-time reader of both the original series and Robert Goldsborough’s other follow-up mysteries, I greatly enjoyed this book. It’s fun to see a much younger Archie Goodwin and how he met Nero Wolfe. The young Archie isn’t quite as smooth, but still has that smart-aleck charm that makes him so endearing. Archie is as quick-thinking and fast-talking as ever. Even as a young man, he has great instincts and judgment and a healthy dose of self-confidence. Early on in his new career, he proclaims “I’ve got the makings of one hell of a detective.” He is right of course, and his flawless memory that gives him the ability to repeat conversations back word for word is helpful in his new job and even impresses the great Nero Wolfe.
Through the course of the investigation of little Tommie Williamson‘s kidnapping, it’s strange to see Saul in charge and Archie as the new guy instead of as Wolfe’s right-hand man. However, everything in the story rings true with what we know about Archie and Wolfe from their later adventures. The kidnapping case is interesting and kept my interest throughout the book, but it’s the characters who take center-stage in this entertaining story. Archie, Wolfe, Fritz, Inspector Cramer, and the others behave as you would expect, so reading the book is like visiting old friends you haven’t seen in a while.
Fans of Wolfe, either the original series by Rex Stout or those by Robert Goldsborough, will find this “prequel” to the series more than “satisfactory.” If you haven’t had the treat of reading a Nero Wolfe mystery, “Archie Meets Nero Wolfe”, is the perfect introduction to this classic detective duo.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Open Road Media in exchange for an honest review.
slferg's review against another edition
5.0
Very interesting. The new Nero Wolfe book is constructed from references in the books by Rex Stout to Archie's past. How Archie met Nero Wolfe and became his assistant. Also, Archie's life before Nero Wolfe. I wasn't sure how I would like these written by other than Rex Stout, but if this is an example the rest ought to be pretty good.
sbaunsgard's review against another edition
3.0
Archie works with Wolfe for the first time. The plot is a 'backstory' case mentioned in Stout's books. All of the operatives are Stout's. Written with the blessing of the Stouts. An entertaining mystery, but the dialogue/characterization lacks Stout's trademark snappy/funny/emotional moments. You should enjoy this if you enjoy the originals, but it isn't really the same. There isn't a Pfui in the whole book.
caractacus's review against another edition
4.0
For whatever reason, there aren't many detective series I can get into, but the ones I like - Nero Wolfe and Fletch above all others - I really, really love. Goldsborough's prequel to Rex Stout's Wolfe stories isn't the place for a newbie to start, but it's a lot of fun for a fan.
jazzlioness's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0